‘He is no different from anyone else in respect of that. He is as entitled as any other to place his trust in people, to rely on that trust and to not go about his life thinking the worst of people.’

Hawkins worked as a housekeeper for Clayton while living in his south Dublin mansion. She was later promoted to personal assistant and named as a signatory on a number of his bank accounts.

Her then husband was employed as a driver for the 52-year-old. They were paid a joint salary of £3,160 a month. Clayton continued to pay her the full amount after her marriage ended and raised it to £3,300 the same year.

She is accused of stealing from his accounts between 2004 and 2008, Dublin’s Circuit Criminal Court heard on the opening day of her trial.

The 47-year-old, from Dublin, denies all 181 charges. The trial continues.